Allardyce defends Redknapp decision

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has defended Harry Redknapp’s decision to field his weakest possible line-up for tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth-round clash at Manchester United.

Spurs boss Redknapp has been criticised by supporters’ groups for devaluing the competition, and for short-changing the fans who will be making the trip to Old Trafford for the evening kick-off.

But with Tottenham involved in a vital Barclays Premier League game with Stoke at White Hart Lane on Tuesday, Redknapp’s priorities lie elsewhere.

Allardyce feels the critics have no grounds for complaint as Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger at Arsenal get away with the tactic all the time.

“Why shouldn’t he field his weakest side?” countered Allardyce when asked on the subject.

“Nobody moans about Arsene playing all his kids in the Carling Cup or FA Cup. That’s okay. So why should we moan about Harry playing his weakest side in the FA Cup? Just because it’s Harry?

“Harry has more reason to play his kids than Arsene Wenger has, or Manchester United or Chelsea because he is fighting to stay in the Premier League, which is more important.

“So I don’t know why people are giving Harry some stick, and I can’t see why anybody would dream of doing so. He’s only doing what we all need to do.

“If you are going to do that, then you’re going to have to give Sir Alex some stick, but perhaps people are frightened of doing that.”